The Federal Highway Administration's Record of Decision giving the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission clearance to build the northern end of the Mon-Fayette Expressway laid out a long list of reasons for its approval.

The 21-page document was released yesterday.

It said the alternatives ultimately selected for the more controversial alignment -- namely those following the north shore of the Monongahela River between East Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh -- more effectively avoid or minimize environmental impacts.

It also said the North Shore alternative of the four-lane, limited-access toll roads meets project needs while falling within normal engineering parameters for such a massive undertaking.

Following are the conclusions that the highway administration reached about the final alignment:

Provides access to abandoned brownfield sites in Duquesne, Penn Hills, Rankin, Swissvale and Hazelwood, creating transportation services capable of supporting economic redevelopment.

Improves direct access to Duquesne City Center and Carrie Furnace brownfield redevelopment sites by adding access from local roads and over active railroad lines.

Reduces travel times to medical facilities, education centers and employment centers in the Oakland area by up to 53 percent.

Accommodates all riverfront trail projects currently proposed within the study area.

Does not disproportionately adversely affect low income and-or minority populations.

Has the overwhelming support of elected officials of 19 municipalities in the corridor, along with Allegheny County officials.

Based on written responses from spring 2001 public meetings, those expressing a preference of an alignment showed strongest support for the North Shore alternative.

Of 3,039 comments and testimony received during the Environmental Impact Statement comment period, 2,724 were in support of the project and 139 were in opposition.

Of 171 comment letters during the same period, 122 favored the project.

Harm to the Hazelwood Historic District and Hazelwood community will be minimal while the project improves access to the former LTV site and improves Oakland traffic flow via Bates Street.